Saturday, 14th August 2010
The Flying Potato
by Stephen Oachs
The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica), affectionately called, "The Flying Potato" by Newfoundland natives, has been nicknamed, "sea parrot" because of its bright, oversized beak. Interestingly, the brilliant color of this sea bird's beak fades to a drab gray during winter months.
Puffins live the majority of the lives in the water. They can be seen resting on the waves or swimming by using their wings in a flying motion underwater. They have webbed feet for superb steering and diving, with the ability to go as deep as 200 feet if needed. On the other hand, on land they are clumsy at best. Though they can fly up to 55 mph once airborne, it is their landings that seem more like a semi-controlled crash, with them often flying a few feet in the air before tucking in their wings and just falling to the ground.
This puffin, filmed in Newfoundland, was content to pose and primp for the camera, proudly showing off his 10" high stature. They appear to be very proud birds, strutting with their chests inflated and puffed out, as if they are of some great importance. These are magnificent birds, with personality to spare.
Equipment: Canon 1Ds Mark III
Stephen Oachs
Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.
Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic.
Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy recieve hands on instruction designed for their individual skill level which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post processing techniques.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.
Website: www.ApertureAcademy.com
The Flying Potato by Stephen Oachs was photo of the day on Saturday, 14th August 2010. It is tagged Birds. You can leave a comment below.
18 Comments
Pauline Jones
This is a lovely picture and he looks much nicer than a potato.
Su
Beautiful shot, we have puffins in Scotland but they are very elusive birds to capture. He looks as though hes posing just for you.
Cathy
The bird u r calling a flying potato is really a puffin. It’s ont of the birds we have here in Newfoundland, Canada.
Susan House
Thanks- a beautiful photo, and I learned some things as well!
Wanda Krack
A beautiful shot for sure, and thanks for the enjoyable description of a puffin.
John Ruest
Thank you, Stephen,
Puffins are amazing and I love that photo.
planet lover
My favorite bird!!! and in a gorgeous portrait to boot! Thanks, Stephen for this great photo and for the very interesting information to enlighten us puffin ‘aficionados’.
ziggy
I love Puffins. They always look like a character in a fantasy novel to me. ALmost like a living caricature sometimes. Beautiful capture here and beautiful commentary as well. Thanks for the info, I hope I get to see one for real one day
renee
Beautiful shot indeed.
Laura Milholland
A magnificent image of an illusive subject! Thanks for sharing the story too.
Manuel
Preciosa foto de un precioso animal, gracias por colaborar en hacernos amar mas a la naturaleza y los animales, gracias tambien por la amena explicación de la vida de estos “super birds”, felicitaciones.
beth
Stephan, echoing Manuel, I always learn something from you! Thank you!
Morkel Erasmus
Lovely portrait with vivid colours Stephen…
PlanetLover
My favorite bird!!! and in a gorgeous portrait to boot! Thanks, Stephen for this great photo and for the very interesting information to enlighten us puffin ‘aficionados’.
JimAtkin
I like the angle you caught in this shot. WTG
Marie Dunphy Harding
A beautiful bird. Your description of the puffin is similar to a description of a Newfoundlander as well!
Rajib Singha
Nice!
Katherine Lee Strassburg
A wonderful photo of a bird which was saved from the brink of extinction due to habitat loss. Naturalists used carved puffin decoys to lure them back to historic breeding grounds–another success story for environmentalists!!!